Monthly Archives: August 2012

Frank Ocean will be the musical guest on the season opener of Saturday Night Live on September 15th. Ocean, whose debut, channel Orange, was released in July to critical praise and commercial success, will be joined by Seth McFarlane, who will serve as the guest host of SNL’s 38th season opener.

Catching the “Novacane” singer on television is rare, with his most notable appearance to date being a performance of “Bad Religion” on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. However, little over a week before his SNL performance in New York City, Ocean will be performing on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles.

Ludacris kicks off his annual Luda Day Weekend with the release of his new single “Representing.” The Atlanta rapper sets off sparks with Kelly Rowland on the sexy duet off his upcoming album Ludaversal, due this fall. Luda gives Kelly some motivation and in return she puts on a show for her man. Listen to the radio rip, which premiered on V-103.

2 Chainz unwraps the strange and celebratory video for “Birthday Song,” the second single off his No. 1 album Based on a T.R.U. Story. The clip, which he describes as “left field,” co-stars Kanye West and plenty of big booties.

The Atlanta rapper, who just reached 1 million followers on Twitter, explained how he connected with ‘Ye. “It was an idea I had. He heard it. Of course he felt like he got that present already,” 2 Chainz told AllHipHop, referring to Kim Kardashian.

After much anticipation, Brandy unveils the artwork for her sixth album Two Eleven. The R&B diva rocks a long ponytail and bares her abs while standing over a mirror on the cover, photographed by Gomillion & Leupold.

Due October 16 via RCA/Chameleon Records, the project features the Chris Brown-assisted single “Put It Down” and follow-up “Wildest Dreams,” with contributions from Sean Garrett, Frank Ocean, Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, Bangladesh, Tha Bizness, and more.

“It’s just an R&B album, a rhythm and blues album,” Brandy told the AP of her first record since 2008’s Human. “No gimmicks, real R&B music.”

She may only be seven months old, but Blue Ivy is already jet-setting in style. Jay-Z touched down in New York on Thursday with his daughter in his arms. The proud father placed blue noise blockers over Blue’s tiny ears and held her close as he exited his helicopter with security in tow. Beyoncé was nowhere in sight, but Jay seemed to be handling parental duties just fine without her.

Mr. Carter will bring his family to Philadelphia this Labor Day weekend for the inaugural Made in America festival with performances from Drake, D’Angelo, Rita Ora, Odd Future, Jill Scott, and more. Set times are now available online.

Music industry executive and manager Chris Lighty was found dead at 11:30am Thursday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to confirmed reports, Chris was found lying faceup with a 9-mm. pistol by his side.

Things hadn’t been going so well for Chris as the NY Daily News reports he had just had a spat with his estranged wife Veronica and allegedly owed the IRS $5 million, which he paid most of after selling his apartment for $5.6 mill. Reportedly, he still owed money for back taxes, as well as to his bank

The shocking suicide followed a wild spat between Lighty and his 36-year-old wife, Veronica, who filed for divorce last year. Moving trucks were at the home, as the veteran music manager prepared to move out of the three-story townhouse, sources said.

Law enforcement sources said Lighty’s wife of seven years told police he was facing financial woes that include a $5 million debt to the IRS. However, the Associated Press reported that Lighty paid off most of what he owed by selling a Manhattan apartment for $5.6 million in October.

Lighty still owed more than $330,000 in state and federal taxes, the AP reported. And in April, he was sued by City National Bank for not paying them after he had overdrawn his account by $53,584.

His 17-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son were inside the W. 232nd St. home and left when the argument erupted. They were in a park nearby when Lighty, who has three other children, stepped outside and shot himself, sources said.

Here are some reactions from those who knew and loved him:

Diggy Simmons: Still in shock.. More than just my manager but my family. Love you and gonna miss you Chris. R.I.P

Rah Digga Chris Lighty was everything to me in my Flipmode years. So busy rescuing others sorry we couldn’t rescue you. You will be missed brother…

Russell Simmons: I am deeply saddened by the loss of a hip-hop hero. Chris Lighty has been a dear friend of mine since he was a kid. Was a brilliant partner in business and I was so proud of all that he had accomplished. He is an amazing example of how a passionate kid from the street can go to the most even-keeled, smart, thoughtful manager in the business and a generous philanthropist. He was loved by everyone who knew him, including me. He will be missed greatly by all of us.

John Legend: RIP Chris Lighty. Hip-hop visionary.

Kelly Price: Chris Lighty was a power player in this business. PLEASE lets see that we ALL need love, support and encouragement. WE HAVE2HOLDEACHOTHERUP

?uestlove: Man, I’m really sorry about Chris Lighty. Such a nice guy to me & my band. May God rest his soul. Peace to his family.

Big Sean: RIP Chris Lighty. my condolences to the family and loved ones.